Deadlines for Academic Progress
Below are the deadlines for completing your degree requirements in time so that you can participate in the commencement ceremony, get your name printed in the commencement bulletin, and receive your diploma.
If you miss the exam and ETD-approval deadlines, the Graduate School will enroll you in one credit of Start-of-Semester Defense Exception and award your degree or certificate the following semester.
Summer graduates are welcome to participate in the fall commencement ceremony.
Master’s and EdS Students
Masters and EdS students do NOT receive diplomas during commencement; therefore, you are welcome to participate in the ceremony, even if your degree has not yet been awarded for this semester.
2019-20 Deadlines
| Term | Apply for Degree in HokieSPA | Final Exam | Submit ETD | Degree Awarded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Oct. 1 |
Dec. 19 |
Jan. 3 |
Feb. 7 |
| Spring | Mar. 1 |
May 13 | May 27 |
July 3 |
| Summer I | Jun. 1 | July 6 |
July 20 |
Aug. 18 |
| Summer II | Aug. 1 |
Aug. 14 |
Aug. 28 |
Sept. 25 |
Ph.D. and Ed.D Students
Doctoral students receive diplomas during commencement; therefore, you must meet all requirements and have your degree officially awarded prior to the ceremony to participate.
2019-20 Deadlines for Participating in Commencement
| Term | Apply for Degree in HokieSPA | Final Exam | Submit ETD | Degree Awarded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Oct. 1 | Nov. 1 | Nov. 15 | Dec. 20 |
| Spring | Mar. 1 | Mar. 26 | Apr. 9 | May 14 |
| Summer I | Jun. 1 | Jul. 6 | Jul. 20 | Aug. 17 |
| Summer II | Aug. 1 | Aug. 14 | Aug. 28 | Sept. 25 |
2019-20 Deadlines If You Choose Not to Participate in Commencement
| Term | Apply for Degree in HokieSPA | Final Exam | Submit ETD | Degree Awarded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Oct. 1 | Dec. 19 | Jan. 3 |
Feb. 7 |
| Spring | Mar. 1 | May 13 | May 27 | July 3 |
| Summer I | Jun. 1 | Jul. 6 | Jul. 20 | Aug. 17 |
| Summer II | Aug. 1 | Aug. 14 | Aug. 28 | Sep. 25 |
Graduate Certificate Students Not Earning a Degree
All certificate students are invited to participate in commencement.
2019-20 Deadlines
| Term | Apply for Certificate Conferral | Certificate Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Oct. 1 | Feb. 8 |
| Spring | Mar. 1 | July 3 |
| Summer I | Jun. 1 | Aug. 17 |
| Summer II | Aug. 1 | Sep. 25 |
Participation in Commencement
All graduate degree candidates must confirm their plans to attend Commencement by May 1 for the spring ceremony and December 1 for the fall ceremony. Questions pertaining to eligibility to participate should be directed to the Graduate School at 540-231-8636.